A collision is defined as the event in which a vehicle hits a person who is on the road, whether walking, running, playing, working, or in any activity that involves your physical presence on or near the road. These types of accidents can involve pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or people in mobility vehicles personal, such as skateboards, wheelchairs, scooters, etc.
Are there different types of run over?
Yes. Hit-and-run accidents can be classified according to several criteria, including the type of vehicle involved (car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), the situation of the pedestrian (crossing the street, walking along the road, etc.), and the impact mechanism (front, side, rear).
We will briefly tell you about each of the criteria that are used to define the type of collision.
According to the type of vehicle involved:
- Cars and vans: The most common pedestrian accidents involve private vehicles such as cars and vans. The dynamics of the impact vary depending on the speed, vehicle design, and pedestrian height.
- Trucks and buses: These vehicles, due to their size and elevated point of impact, can cause more severe injuries. Pedestrians may be hit and then fall under the vehicle, increasing the risk of crushing injuries.
- Motorcycles and bicycles: Although they typically occur at lower speeds than accidents involving larger vehicles, they can cause significant injuries due to the direct force of impact and the possibility of being thrown or dragged.
According to the pedestrian’s situation:
- Crossing the Street: Whether at pedestrian crossings or other points along the road. Risks increase if the pedestrian crosses unexpectedly or if the vehicle fails to yield.
- Walking along the roadway: Pedestrians who walk along the edge or near the road, especially in áreas without are at risk of being struck by vehicles veering out of their lane.
- Playing or working in the street: Children playing near the road or construction and maintenance workers can be struck if there is insufficient signage or protective measures.
Regarding the Mechanism of Impact:
- Frontal impact: Occurs when the front part of the vehicle strikes the pedestrian. It is the most common type and can propel the pedestrian forward or upward, depending on the speed and angle of impact.
- Side impact: Happens when the pedestrian is struck by the side of the vehicle, common in pedestrian crossings when vehiles turn without seeing the pedestrian.
- Overhead impact: In cases where the vehicle passes over the pedestrian’s body, common in accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, or large vehicles.
- Dragging: Occurs when the pedestrian is trapped under the vehicle or dragged by it. It is especially dangerous due to the risk of crushing and abrasion injuries.
What is the kinematics of a pedestrian accident?
The kinematics of a pedestrian accident describes the mechanics and forces involved in the incident. It depends on multiple factors such as vehicle speed, angle of impact, type of vehicle, and the pedestrian’s physical characteristics.
Kinematics is used to understand the potential injuries in a pedestrian accident and can be classified into three phases: the initial impact of the vehicle with the pedestrian, the impact of the pedestrian with the vehicle or the ground, and the secondary movement of the pedestrian after the initial impact.
What are the consequences of a pedestrian accident?
The severity of injuries in a pedestrian accident significantly increases with the speed of the vehicle. At low speeds, injuries may be minor or moderate, but at higher speeds, the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries increases exponentially.
According to statistics, at 30 km/h, only 5% of pedestrians struck will die from their injuries, while at 50 km/h, the proportion of fatalities approaches 50%. Starting from 80 km/h, practically all pedestrians struck will die as a result of the sustained injuries.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
Knowing the most common causes of pedestrian accidents can help us stay vigilant in these situations.
- Speeding: Driving at inappropriate speeds reduces the driver’s reaction time to unforeseen situations, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.
- Driver distractions: The use of mobile phones, adjusting the radio, or any activity that diverts the driver’s attention can lead to traffic accidents.
- Lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure: The absence of pedestrian crossings, signage, and safe crossings increases the risk for pedestrians.
- Reckless pedestrian behavior: Crossing streets or roads recklessly, without using pedestrian crossings or traffic lights, significantly contributes to pedestrian accidents.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Both drivers and pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs are at a higher risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents.
- Inadequate lighting conditions: Poor visibility at night or in poorly lit areas increases the likelihood of accidents.
- Lack of Education and Road Awareness: Lack of knowledge or disinterest in traffic rules and road safety by both drivers and pedestrians.
What time of day has the highest incidence of pedestrian accidents?
In Mexico, as in many other countries, the hours of the day with the highest incidence of pedestrian accidents usually concentrate during:
- Peak hours: The hours of heaviest traffic, typically at the beginning and end of the workday (approximately between 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning and from 17:00 to 19:00 in the evening), experience an increase in pedestrian accidents due to the higher volume of vehicles and pedestrians in motion.
- Nighttime: Reduced visibility at night increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. This may include the hours after sunset and before sunrise, especially on weekends and holidays, where there may also be an increase in alcohol consumption.
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